The grapes on the vine are swelling after the rain and in a few weeks they will be double in size. A bunch of grapse is like a banknote collection. It starts small and then over time, it expands and fills out. A lovely banknote collection can be quite ‘tasty’. with quality  notes such as… Read more »

I visited Carlisle Cathedral a few days ago and noticed the Border Regiment Memorial to those who died in action and from disease from 1899 – 1902 in the South African War. The list of those who perished from disease was far more than those who died in fighting. Any death in combat or from… Read more »

Last week, while sitting on the platform of Todmorden Railway Station I noticed the Hooded Crow scanning the area and the track for food. The bird seemed to be able to spot the tiniest morsel. Sometimes, when we look at at our collections we realise there are gaps to be filled and like the crow… Read more »

I saw this when on holiday. A £25 note with the image of someone who is not the Queen, makes it plain this is not meant to be currency but a work of art. There are banknote errors which have an appeal to collectors and I’ll be listing some soon. If you have collections, or… Read more »

I have two allotments and am a big fan of compost and comfrey fertiliser. The latter is so effective in my cultivation I never buy any feed from shops. Compost is always the great pleasure of my life when i see it friable and crumbly. IT takes a lot of work and time to reach… Read more »

Mount St Bernard’s Monastery is just a few miles from where I live. It is a place of quiet and also where th monks brew a rather strong brew, Tynt Meadow, very popular with a myriad of visitors. The Honesty Box is for books no longer needed and also for fruit when in season. It’s… Read more »

This is the door of my allotment shed which must be around seventy years of age with three previous owners. It is overgrown with ivy but inside it’s snug and tidy. It always comes as a surprise to visitors who are expecting a rather run-down and shabby interior. Banknote collections can be all over the… Read more »

If you don’t know, then ask. It is not uncommon to come across banknotes or find them in a person’s estate. What are they worth? What should I do with them? Should I sell them? How do I do this? Will I be ripped off by dealers or Auction Houses? These are all legitimate questions…. Read more »

Robert Frost was very true when describing the road less travelled as ‘making all the difference’. When the paths diverged in the woods, the path less travelled was more appealing. Collecting banknotes and building up a collection is taking this road as it has a clear focus, a plan to develop the collection and it… Read more »

The first strawberries of the season have arrived on the allotment. My goodness, the flavour is just wonderful. Such a good feeling to have the new crop coming through. Perhaps its time to have some new notes in the collection. Scottish, English, and other notes are on offer so have a browse and a ‘taste’… Read more »